The Last of Us II: Stealth and Survival Guide

Unlock the secrets to mastering The Last of Us II with our comprehensive Stealth and Survival Guide! Ready to transform your gameplay and outsmart your enemies in this thrilling post-apocalyptic world? We've got you covered. Dive deep into mastering stealth mechanics, discover top strategies for sidestepping deadly foes, and learn essential tactics for managing your health and supplies. Plus, get expert tips on leveraging your environment to its full potential and surviving even the toughest stealth sections. Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned survivor, this guide will elevate your journey through The Last of Us II to new heights. Read on and become the ultimate stealth master!

Using Stealth Mechanics Effectively

In The Last of Us Part II, going in guns blazing isn't always the best option. The game offers plenty of opportunities to use stealth to your advantage. Follow these tips to master stealth mechanics and get through your journey with Ellie and Abby without attracting unwanted attention.

Stay Low and Move Slow

One of the most important things to remember is to stay low. Crouching or going prone will make you harder to spot. Ellie can lie flat on the ground, moving beneath tight spaces and through tall grass. This makes her nearly invisible to enemies, which is great for sneaking past or setting up ambushes.

When moving, do so slowly. Fast movements generate more noise, which can alert nearby enemies. Stick to walking or crawling to minimize the chance of being detected.

Use Your Surroundings

The game’s environment offers numerous hiding spots and vantage points. Make use of tall grass, corners, and walls to break line of sight. Enemies will have a harder time spotting you if you blend into your surroundings.

You can also use bottles and bricks to create distractions. Toss one in a direction away from you to lure enemies away from your intended path. Just make sure you don't throw it too close to where you're planning to go!

Listen Mode is Your Best Friend

Ellie has a special Listen Mode that lets her hear enemies through walls and other obstacles. This ability highlights enemy positions within a certain range. Use this mode frequently to keep tabs on where enemies are located and to plan your next move.

To activate Listen Mode, simply hold the appropriate button (R1 on PlayStation). Keep in mind that moving while in Listen Mode will slow you down, so use it wisely.

Take Down Enemies Silently

Not all enemies can be avoided, so sometimes you have to take them out. Perform stealth kills to dispatch foes without making noise. Approach enemies from behind and press the melee button to execute a silent takedown.

Remember to hide the bodies whenever possible. Leaving a body out in the open can alert other enemies, which might ruin your stealth approach. Pull them into tall grass or behind cover if it’s safe to do so.

Manage Your Supplies

Crafting and managing supplies is crucial in The Last of Us Part II. Always keep some smoke bombs and stun bombs on hand. These can be incredibly useful for creating diversions or disabling groups of enemies, giving you precious time to either escape or perform stealth takedowns.

Plan Your Attack Routes

Before entering a new area, take some time to survey the environment. Look for high ground, cover spots, and enemy patrol patterns. Planning your route in advance helps avoid unnecessary confrontations.

Watch the Dogs

Canine enemies add a new layer of challenge. Dogs can sniff you out even if you’re hidden. Watch their patrol paths and try to stay upwind to avoid detection. If a dog catches your scent, move quickly but quietly to another position or take out the handler silently before the dog can alert others.

Patience is Key

Stealth requires patience and timing. Rushing through an area will likely end in disaster. Instead, wait for the right moment to move or strike. Use cover and listen to enemies’ movements and dialogue to predict their behavior.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be a stealth master in no time, sneaking through enemy territories and saving ammo for when you really need it. Now go out there and show those Infected and WLF soldiers who's boss!

The Last of Us II: Stealth and Survival Guide

Best Strategies for Avoiding Enemies

In The Last of Us II, sometimes the best way to survive is to avoid enemies altogether. Whether you’re dealing with ruthless humans or terrifying Infected, sneaking past them can save you valuable resources and keep Ellie or Abby safe. Here’s how to be a stealth master in this intense game.

1. Use the Environment to Your Advantage

The world of The Last of Us II is full of objects and terrain to hide behind. Here are some tips to help:

• Tall Grass: Crouch in tall grass to stay out of sight. Remember, you’re not completely invisible, so don't get too close to enemies.
• Use Cover: Move from cover to cover. Walls, cars, and debris can block the enemy's line of sight.
• Noise: Pay attention to the noises you make. Walking on broken glass or stepping in water can alert enemies. Move slowly and carefully!

2. Stay Low and Move Slowly

Always make use of the crouch feature (R1 button on PlayStation). Crouching reduces noise and makes you less visible. If you need to be even stealthier, go prone (circle button) to crawl under obstacles or through tight spaces.

3. Listen Mode is Your Best Friend

Press and hold R1 to activate Listen Mode. This ability lets you see enemies through walls and track their movements. Use this to plan your route and decide if it's best to sneak past or find another way around.

4. Distraction Tactics

You can’t always move in a straight line toward your objective. Use distractions to create openings:

• Throw Bottles and Bricks: Find these items around the environment and throw them to create noise elsewhere, drawing enemies away from your path.
• Bow and Arrow: If you must take an enemy out silently, a bow is your best bet. Headshots are instant kills and won’t alert other enemies if done correctly.

5. Know When to Engage

Sometimes it’s unavoidable to deal with an enemy blocking your path. Here’s how to handle those situations without blowing your cover:

• Sneak Attacks: Approach enemies from behind and press triangle to take them down silently.
• Suppressing Fire: Upgrade your pistol with a suppressor to silently take out enemies from a distance.

6. Learn Enemy Patterns

Observe how enemies move and learn their patterns. Most enemies have set patrol routes, and understanding these can help you time your movements perfectly to avoid them.

7. Utilize Crafting

Craft items that aid in stealth. Smoke bombs can create cover while you sneak by, and stun bombs can incapacitate multiple enemies, giving you time to escape or reposition.

8. Be Patient

Avoiding enemies often means taking your time. Rushing can lead to mistakes and make you more visible. Observe, plan, and then execute your stealth strategy.

Summary

Successfully avoiding enemies in The Last of Us II is a matter of using the environment, moving carefully, and taking advantage of Ellie and Abby’s abilities. Whether you’re navigating through a group of heavily armed soldiers or a swarm of Clickers, these tips will help you stay out of sight and out of trouble. Take your time, be smart, and remember: sometimes the best fight is the one you don’t have.

Managing Health and Supplies in The Last of Us II

In The Last of Us II, managing your health and supplies is a constant challenge, but it’s also essential for survival. Here's a breakdown of how to keep Ellie (and yourself) in the best possible shape as you journey through this post-apocalyptic world.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Supplies

Supplies are scattered all over the world, often hidden in plain sight. Here’s what you should look for:

• Drawers and Closets: Make sure to open every drawer and closet you come across. Even the most nondescript ones can hide valuable items.
• Off the Beaten Path: Don’t just stick to the main paths. Explore side rooms, basements, attics, and even under beds. Venturing off the beaten path often rewards you with precious supplies.
• Abandoned Vehicles: Cars and trucks might have goodies stashed in the trunks or glove compartments. Always double-check these spots for potential loot.

Essential Items to Collect

Here’s a list of the key supplies you’ll want to gather:

• Health Kits: These are your lifeline. They’re used to heal Ellie when she’s injured. Look for rags, alcohol, and other materials to craft these.
• Crafting Materials: Collect items like blades, binding, and alcohol to craft everything from health kits to Molotov cocktails.
• Ammunition: Ammunition is scarce, so never pass it up. Always check bodies of fallen enemies for spare bullets.
• Supplements and Parts: Use supplements to upgrade Ellie’s abilities and parts to upgrade weapons at workbenches.

Crafting is Key

Crafting is a game-changer in The Last of Us II. Use the ingredients you collect to make valuable items:

• Health Kits: As mentioned, these are vital. Always keep at least one on hand.
• Molotov Cocktails: Useful for taking out groups of enemies or armored foes.
• Melee Upgrades: Strengthen your melee weapons with blades to make them more effective in combat.
• Silencers: Crafted for your pistol to help take out enemies quietly without alerting others.

Strategic Healing

Knowing when to use your health kits is crucial. Here are some tips:

• Don’t Heal Too Early: If you’re only mildly injured, it might be best to hold off on using a health kit. Wait until you’re more severely hurt to make the most of it.
• Stay Hidden to Heal: Find a quiet, safe spot to use your health kit. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard while healing.

Managing Ammo and Weapons

Ammo is scarce in the world of The Last of Us II, so make every shot count:

• Aim for the Head: Headshots take down enemies quicker and save on ammo.
• Switch Weapons: Learn to switch between different weapons to conserve ammo for your primary guns.
• Use Melee: When possible, engage enemies in melee to save your bullets for more dangerous encounters. Use bricks and bottles to stun enemies before finishing them off with a melee weapon.

Utilize Stealth to Save Supplies

One of the best ways to conserve supplies is by avoiding combat altogether:

• Sneak Up: Stealth kill enemies from behind whenever you can.
• Distractions: Use bottles and bricks to distract enemies and sneak by them undetected.
• Listen Mode: Use Ellie’s listen mode to track enemy movements and plan your approach accordingly.

Stay Prepared

Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. Always make sure you’re stocked up on essential items like health kits and ammo. Don’t waste valuable supplies, and craft smartly based on the situation at hand. By managing your health and supplies wisely, you’ll be better equipped to handle the dangers that lie ahead.

Keep these tips in mind as you navigate the world of The Last of Us II, and you’ll improve your chances of surviving this brutal journey. Never underestimate the importance of being prepared - it can truly save your life.

Using the Environment to Your Advantage

In The Last of Us Part II, both Ellie and Abby navigate through a harsh world filled with threats around every corner. Knowing how to use the environment can make the difference between life and death. Here are some tips to turn the game's brutal world to your advantage.

Stay Low and Move Slow

Crouching and going prone are your best friends when it comes to avoiding detection. Grass and tall vegetation are excellent for hiding. Stay low and move slowly to keep out of sight and avoid making noise. Remember, not just enemies are looking for you - infected are often drawn to sudden movement too.

Use Bottles and Bricks

Scattered throughout the world are bottles and bricks. These might seem like mundane objects, but they can be lifesavers. Throw them to create distractions and lure enemies away from your path. Better yet, use them to stun enemies, giving you an opening for a quick and silent takedown.

| Tip | Description | |-------|-------------| | Distraction | Throwing a bottle or brick to draw enemies’ attention away | | Stun | Hit an enemy directly to stagger them for a melee attack | | Combination | Create a noise to draw clickers toward human enemies |

Exploit the Verticality

The environments in The Last of Us Part II are rich with vertical layers. Rooftops, ledges, and elevated platforms can be used to stay hidden and gain a tactical advantage. Use these spots to scout an area, plan your approach, or quickly escape if things go south.

• Rooftops: Great for avoiding melee combat and getting a better view of the area.
• Ledges: Useful for stealthy takedowns and avoiding direct confrontations.
• Elevated Platforms: Perfect for sniping and surveying enemy movement.

Craft With Care

In a post-apocalyptic world, resources are scarce. Crafting is crucial, but it’s just as important to use what you create wisely. Consider your surroundings and the enemies you’re facing. A well-placed Molotov can clear a room, while a silencer on your pistol can help take out enemies quietly.

Watch the Weather

The game’s dynamic weather system isn’t just for show; it can be strategically significant. Use rain to mask your footsteps and heavy winds to cover your sound. Conversely, be aware that bright sun can make hiding harder and muddy terrain can slow you down.

Know Your Exits

Always have an escape plan. Before engaging enemies or moving into new areas, take note of potential exits and hiding spots. Knowing where you can flee if things get dicey can save you from sticky situations.

Listen Mode is Key

Utilize Listen Mode frequently. This ability allows Ellie and Abby to detect enemies through walls and other obstacles, giving you a tactical edge. Use it to track enemy patrol routes and plan your movements accordingly.

• Nearby Enemies: Prioritize those threats first.
• Patrol Patterns: Learn them to pick the best time to move.
• Resource Locations: Often hidden in tucked-away areas revealed by Listen Mode.

Set Traps

When facing groups, setting traps can turn the tide in your favor. The world is littered with items that can be turned into deadly contraptions. Use trip mines to control spaces and funnel enemies into kill zones. Place them in choke points or in tall grass where they’ll be hard to see.

Mind the Noise

Sound is as much an enemy as the enemies themselves. Running and firing unsuppressed weapons can draw unwanted attention. On the flip side, loud noises can be used to your advantage, luring enemies away from a path or into an ambush.

• Footsteps: Move slowly and crouch-walk to minimize noise.
• Gunfire: Use silencers or melee attacks to stay quiet.
• Environmental Noise: Utilize background sounds like rushing water to mask your own.

Strategic Retreats

Sometimes, engaging isn’t the best option. Retreating to plan a better approach is often the smart move. Fall back, reassess, and reengage on your terms, not theirs. The environment is full of places to evade pursuit and regroup.

By using these strategies and considering your surroundings, you can turn the world of The Last of Us Part II to your advantage. Stay alert, stay stealthy, and survive the chaos.

Tips for Surviving Stealth Sections

Move Slowly and Stay Low

Staying undetected is key. Always move slowly by crouching; Ellie and Abby make less noise that way, which reduces the chances of enemies hearing you. Use cover and shadows to your advantage. Crawling under vehicles or hiding behind boxes can give you an edge.

Watch Enemy Patterns

Enemies usually have patrol paths. Spend some time watching their movements before you make a move. Patience pays off in stealth sections. Once you understand their routes, you can sneak by them or ambush them effectively.

Use Listening Mode

Don’t forget about Listening Mode! Pressing R1 makes Ellie or Abby listen to their surroundings, highlighting enemies through walls and other obstacles. This helps in planning your next move and avoiding unwanted encounters.

Utilize Silenced Weapons

When you have to take down an enemy, silenced weapons are your best friend. Upgrade your pistol with a silencer when you can, or use bows for silent kills. This prevents other enemies from getting alerted to your position.

Distractions are Your Allies

You can find bottles and bricks almost everywhere. Use them to create distractions - throw one to lure enemies away from your path or to a spot where you can take them out without being seen. It's a great way to clear a path without direct confrontation.

Take Out Enemies Silently

Stealth kills are your go-to when dealing with lone enemies. Sneak up behind them and press the grab button (Square) followed by a quick kill (Triangle). Move the bodies if possible, so other enemies won’t stumble upon them and raise the alarm.

Use Tall Grass for Cover

Tall grass is great for staying hidden. While crouched or prone in the grass, enemies have a harder time spotting you. This is perfect for moving through areas with lots of enemies or setting up ambushes.

Manage Your Inventory

Make sure you're always stocked with essential items like crafting materials for silencers, health kits, and smoke bombs. Smoke bombs can be especially helpful for creating cover and sneaking by unnoticed.

Adapt to the Environment

Each environment is different, and what works in one area might not work in another. Use your surroundings intelligently - climb on rooftops, go under buildings, and use every available route to stay hidden.

Don’t Be Afraid to Run

Sometimes things don’t go as plans and stealth fails. If you’re spotted and overwhelmed, running is often the best option. Find a good hiding spot, wait for things to calm down, and then try sneaking again.

Save Often

When the game allows it, save your progress frequently. It’s frustrating to navigate through a large section stealthily only to get caught and lose all your progress. By saving often, you can reload and try different strategies without much penalty.

Practice Makes Perfect

Lastly, don’t get discouraged if you mess up a stealth section. The Last of Us Part II has a learning curve. The more you play, the better you’ll get at navigating these tense, heart-pounding moments.

By following these tips, you’ll become a master of stealth and make it through even the most challenging parts of The Last of Us Part II unscathed. Good luck, and stay quiet out there!